SermonStudio

During the winter months the church offered shelter for the homeless: dinner in the evening, sleep at night, and breakfast every morning. But by the third year it became harder and harder to find hosts.

The coordinator stood before the congregation asking for volunteers for three weeks in a row until at last a seven-year-old raised her hand and shouted, "I'll do it!"

Amanda's sign-up list to help filled up quickly, and when that night came, Amanda got there early, folded the napkins, set the tables, and greeted the guests at the door, welcoming them, the strangers, as a hostess to her home, telling them how glad she was that they had come, and asking their names.

When it was time to eat, Amanda invited all to stand and hold hands. Then she asked one of them to bless the food. One "stranger" volunteered.

Then Amanda requested, "Who would like to help serve the food?" and suddenly volunteers and guests became family, helping one another, for a little child had led them.

Talk together: What did Amanda do? Why do you think she did it? What would you like to do?

Prayer: Lord, help us remember those who have no homes and are hungry. Let us like Amanda "feed" them in whatever way we choose. Amen.